Comments on: Progress Report

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 19:30:43 +0000

Today at the gym (in Logan, Utah), I noticed three or four people on the treadmills and elliptical trainers diligently reading their copies of the Book of Mormon (a few others were flipping through copies of the “Ensign” or “Liahona”). And just in case a gym goer had forgotten his or her Book of Mormon, the Sports Academy had courteously provided a large print copy of the Book of Mormon next to the magazine rack for their use.

By: JWL

JWL — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 18:21:56 +0000

For anyone looking for either a faster way to finish the BoM or a way to get a new perspective, may I recommend reading a facsimile of the first edition. Without versification, headnotes, footnotes, and far fewer chapter divisions, it zips along far more smoothly than I ever remember in reading the current standard edition. For example, the Isaiah quotations flow seamlessly into the text literally mid-sentence or mid-paragraph and actually make sense in context. (Lawyers and writers can also have fun spotting the many typos.) I’m actually going to be somewhat reluctant to go back to the current chopped up, super cross-referenced and explicated version — it seems less ‘pure’ than the straight-on narrative thrust I found in the first edition. I think I’m especially going to find the chapter headnotes to be rather annoying.

By: Russell Arben Fox

Russell Arben Fox — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 17:34:26 +0000

Melissa finished the BoM a week or two ago. When President Hinckley originally issues his call, I somehow didn’t hear it the way so many others did; it was well into October or maybe even November before I realized that this was actually a “goal” that thousands of members of the church had embraced. I haven’t read the BoM through–from beginning to end, with no distractions or jumping ahead–in well over a decade I’m sure, and I confess I felt a little superior to all those who were slavishly trying to cram the book in before December 31. But as time went by, and I talked with Melissa about her reading, I came to really regret that I didn’t get over my pride, and get on the bandwagon, late as I may have been. I hope President Hinckley suggests that we all get on board another church-wide reading program in the coming year. This time, I won’t miss the bus.

By: annegb

annegb — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 14:52:02 +0000

Although this time I read as duty, maybe every time, yeah, that’s probably right, I did feel a new spirit come into our home, Bill, especially, just became a different man. I’m a believer.

One thing that struck me over and over again is how anyone could possibly believe that Joseph Smith made it all up. And in such a short time. I know there are deeply educated explorations which come to the same conclusion, but the consistency is what strikes me.

By: Kaimi Wenger

Kaimi Wenger — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 03:58:46 +0000

Congratulations on your progress thus far, Lisa.

Although I have to say that of my own progress — well, “I’m currently in denial” is probably the best public characterization. I hold out hope that with a few all-nighters, I may yet pull it off.

By: LisaB

LisaB — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 18:57:41 +0000

So how you doin’ Kaimi? I’m now in 3rd Nephi. Actually perfect timing for Christmas. Despite life-long membership in the church, this will be my first time all the way through. Got most of the way through with seminary. Got some of the way through during my BYU BOM class. My last attempt I skipped the Isaiah chapters and the war chapters. That’s a lot of the BOM! Earlier this year I read just the Isaiah chapters, in addition to Isaiah and Revelation in the KJV. Sounds dumb to say it, but I’ve gotta tell you, even I’ve been surprised how Christian it is. Seems all these prophets and missionaries really knew Christ!

My mom read the BOM in 2 weeks while she was investigating the church. I think you could do it in a week–having survived law school and all. :-) Okay, back to “Another” Good Book.

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 02:28:13 +0000

annegb…
I have read it many times too and had been reading with the sort of results you mentioned until this recent challenge. I have found once again in my life that The Book of Mormon is one book you can read day in and out and if done with the right attitude, it NEVER gets old! I am loving every second of it and have learned many new things.
Instead of thinking of it as any other book (which leads to thoughts of “not again” we should thirst after every opportunity to read it again). I think that attitude makes a difference.

One last thought, a relative of mine who hasn’t missed a day in 50 years now reads topically rather than cover to cover. Maybe that will help? I am not ready for that yet…but a focused reading has worked wonders for me.

By: Barb

Barb — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 22:05:52 +0000

A light bulb just went on and I get what you are saying. The actual Book of Mormon within the Book of Mormon. I am sorry to inform you, but you have quite a bit more reading ahead of you than that lol. Maybe someone already told you and you are accelerating the process. I hope you do read so you can be blessed. :)

By: UKAnn

UKAnn — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 09:26:34 +0000

I encouraged all my YW to take up the challenge and we have charts up in the YW room to check their progress. The embarrassing thing is that I am furthest behind (and a little child shall lead them).

By: rsf

rsf — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 14:11:17 +0000

I took Pres. Hinckley’s talk as more suggestive than instructional. Then, since everyone at General Conference seemed to be taking it quite seriously, I decided to read it. Polished it off in a couple weeks and enjoyed it. Now, in re-reading it, I’m wondering…is the point to read it by the end of the year, or to ready 1 1/2 chapters every day? Makes a difference, though for now, I’m enjoying knowing that I was at least a little more in harmony with the Church leaders and their suggestions/instructions.